When Barack Obama predicted the current convolutions in Iraq around 2002, all the "foreign policy experts" in Washington gave him no second look; they blatantly discredited him for lack of understanding of foreign policies. But Thursday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates confirmed the difficulties which Mr. Obama predicted then.
In a chat Thursday, Gates told reporters that the U.S. miscalculated and undervalued the colossal difficulties that exist between various segments of the Iraq government to pass any required political reforms bill.
"In some ways we probably all underestimated the depth of the mistrust and how difficult it would be for these guys [Iraqi officials] to come together on legislation." Gate remarked. "The kind of legislation they're talking about will establish the framework of Iraq for the future so it's almost like our constitution convention...And the difficulty in coming to grips with those, we may all have underestimated six or eight months ago," said Gates.
Last week, six Sunni cabinet ministers from the Iraqi Accordance Front resigned in protest over what they described as lack of the prime minister's desire to attest to their region's demands; from security to economic incentives. The 40-member cabinet, now have on two Sunni cabinet members. This is a big blow to the Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki government who is vigorously seeking ways to foster a united government.
Last week, the Iraqi parliament took a month recess because it was too hot in Baghdad. They also pointed that they have no legislative business, since the prime minister has not brought any reform bill before the parliament. The recess is expected to end Sept. 4, 2007. This is about a week before Gen. Petraeus is expected to give a situation report on the surge.
The White House is downplaying the importance of the September report, but Republicans on Capitol Hill foresee a breakaway from the president by candidates who are up for reelection.
In a chat Thursday, Gates told reporters that the U.S. miscalculated and undervalued the colossal difficulties that exist between various segments of the Iraq government to pass any required political reforms bill.
"In some ways we probably all underestimated the depth of the mistrust and how difficult it would be for these guys [Iraqi officials] to come together on legislation." Gate remarked. "The kind of legislation they're talking about will establish the framework of Iraq for the future so it's almost like our constitution convention...And the difficulty in coming to grips with those, we may all have underestimated six or eight months ago," said Gates.
Last week, six Sunni cabinet ministers from the Iraqi Accordance Front resigned in protest over what they described as lack of the prime minister's desire to attest to their region's demands; from security to economic incentives. The 40-member cabinet, now have on two Sunni cabinet members. This is a big blow to the Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki government who is vigorously seeking ways to foster a united government.
Last week, the Iraqi parliament took a month recess because it was too hot in Baghdad. They also pointed that they have no legislative business, since the prime minister has not brought any reform bill before the parliament. The recess is expected to end Sept. 4, 2007. This is about a week before Gen. Petraeus is expected to give a situation report on the surge.
The White House is downplaying the importance of the September report, but Republicans on Capitol Hill foresee a breakaway from the president by candidates who are up for reelection.
- Richard Clarke described Obama's speech on terror as "sophisticated and comprehensive"
- Obama was right on Iraq and foreign policy in 2002, even when he was not in the senate.
- Mr. Gates pointed out that Iraq is more difficult than anticipated by the Bush administration
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